Heeey. . . How's it going? Long time, no write (with fan fiction at least). I didn't get the final chapter up because I had school and some other things going on in the first place, but then something else got in the way. It's been quite different for over two years, and I can understand one of Ritsuka's problems very well, because I have amnesia too.

I had to type the whole chapter after everything because my old computer "kicked the bucket", so it's not as it would've been. Hopefully I'll be able to whip up a good quality, suitable finish for you good, devoted people. If not, blame the man behind the curtain.

Disclaimer: I don't own Loveless, and that's for the best.

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Final chapter!

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Chapter 21

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Both fighter and sacrifice spent the entire day thinking about the other, and their relationship.

Could we live that way?… Ritsuka thought for what seemed like the thousandth time that day.

Could I really live that way?… Soubi contemplated for what he laughingly calculated to be the thousandth time that day.

Neither of the team could concentrate in school. Soubi missed most of what his professor said about an addition to the color theory. Ritsuka ignored the math equations written on the chalk board.

The final bell told Ritsuka the end of another school day had come. His professor raising his voice, reminding of a project due in 3 days signaled for Soubi this class was over. As if in a trance, boy and man departed their classrooms.

The sun was shining bright, the afternoon becoming later. As much as they wanted to, neither returned home.

Kio thought to worry about the emptiness in the house, but he knew to expect this type of thing from the odd pair that was a large part of his life. In school, the other man had been distracted, and he knew it was because his thoughts were on Ritsuka; that sort of thing had not worried him as much as in the past, since the shy boy's confession.

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Walking

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Walking

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Walking, both were just walking.

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He said he knows I want to help, but that he wants to remain Fighter and Sacrifice. Does he really though?…

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Soubi slowed his pace while walking to who-knew-where.

It hurts to think of him being hurt… The two thought, looking up at the dimming sky, asking for an answer from somewhere in the cosmos.

Hands in their pockets, each tightened their grip on their cell phone.

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What can we do?

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What should we do?.

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What will we do?…

All were good questions that came to mind, and each without an answer, except for "can".

Soubi felt lost, but at the same time, as though he finally found all he had ever been without. That was thanks to the rules of fighter-sacrifice pairing, and what he believed was fate. Meeting Ritsuka, and falling in love with him was the absolute best thing that'd ever happened to him.

He imagined the light scent he so adored, that of his other half, and pictured that angelic face. He knew a decision had to be made.

Running a hand through his long, shining locks, he knew.

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As much as both wanted to, neither returned home.

Up the road.

Down the road.

In the middle, the blond man and dark haired boy met unexpectedly.

"Soubi-" He began

"I need to ask you something Ritsuka." The other said suddenly.

"Alright. anything you want". He noted that Soubi had a revealing expression, questions shone in his eyes. He wasn't sure if that was good or bad.

"Come here", the blond said, holding out a hand. The younger one accepted it, and gave a squeeze of encouragement.

This is different…

Blue eyes peered directly into violet ones, and no where else. Deeply inhaling to ready himself was not something Soubi was accustomed to, so it was rather surprising when he found himself doing so.

"Do you think I could…" He paused.

This is going to be hard…

"Could you truly not have me as your fighter?"

"I could." The truth flowed from the boy's mouth, no doubts were in him.

"Thinking about it all day, I realized it really comes down to your decision though. Whether or not you think you can take hold of your life yourself, and live according only to your own choices. I can't and won't order you to do anything. I don't want to have that ability. I know I can't imagine how this, any of it, feels for you, and that's why I'm asking you choose."

His eyes glistened. "I love you, you as a human being, and nothing more. I may not like it, but even if you choose to stay this way, I'll have to live with it."

As much as it would continue to hurt…

At that, his gaze lowered. A second later though, the artist's hand lifted his chin. Their eyes met again and it seemed the questions had vanished from Soubi's eyes.

"I want… to become nothing more than a human being that loves you, the only Ritsuka." He stated, voice not far above a whisper.

"Do you mean…?"

Louder, Soubi said, "No more spell battles, no more wounds, no more anger and sadness, none of it. I'm through with all of that, starting right now." It was peculiar to hear such words coming from his own mouth, but he welcomed it, because it felt so right.

A broad smile coming to his face, "Lets remember this moment", Ritsuka said, taking a camera from his pocket.

Lips met in a kiss that could only be described as one of pure, true love, and the flash went off.

"Lets go home" The younger of the two said, gazing at the smile he loved most, on the face of the one he loved the most, one of his own reflecting the splendid future they both believed would be.

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THE END

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So readers, that most likely disappointed many of you, but it was the best I could do, not having seen the show for quite a while, and not remembering most of my time of existence, heh, heh… that's not at all humorous. I've been getting on with my life, but just couldn't stand seeing any more hopeful, supportive reviews, especially the ones in which I was asked continue or at least finish.

I welcome reviews of any sort.

Enjoy your day, and your lives everyone. Our time here is far too short to take for granted.

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Happily retiring from fan fiction,

Sycocat

The author would like to thank you for your continued support. Your review has been posted.